Brett Jones (Hip) Added To Growing New York Giants’ Injury List

Offensive lineman Brett Jones was added Thursday to a worsening New York Giants injury list with a hip issue. Jones has been playing left guard since Bobby Hart exited the lineup two snaps into the Giants’ Week 2 game against the Detroit Lions with an ankle injury.

Defensive end Olivier Vernon (ankle) was working on the side with a trainer during the portion of practice open to the media. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (ankle/wrist) was on the exercise bike and then worked with a trainer. Running back Shane Vereen was on the bike. There was no sign of Hart, running back Orleans Darkwa (back) or linebacker J.T. Thomas (groin). Hart, though, was listed as a limited practice participant.

Lineup Shuffling

What do the Giants do on the offensive line if Jones can’t play? Normal left guard Justin Pugh has been playing right tackle. The Giants would likely either move Pugh back to guard and put Chad Wheeler at right tackle, or leave Pugh at tackle and install D.J. Fluker at left guard in place of Jones.

Defensively, the Giants could also face some serious shuffling.

If Vernon can’t play, some combination of Romeo Okwara, Kerry Wynn and rookie Avery Moss would be asked to fill that spot.

Linebacker could also be a problem. B.J. Goodson (shin) returned to practice this week on a limited basis, but it is not certain he will play Sunday. If Casillas and Thomas are unable to play the Giants could be seriously short-handed at that level of their defense on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Full Injury Report

Did Not Practice

LB Jonathan Casillas (Ankle/Wrist)
RB Orleans Darkwa (Back)
G Brett Jones (Hip)
LB J.T. Thomas (Groin)
RB Shane Vereen (Calf)
DE Olivier Vernon (Ankle)

Limited Participation

LB B.J. Goodson (Shin)
OT Bobby Hart (Ankle)

Full Participation

CB Janoris Jenkins (Ankle)